Disability

Disability insurance helps protect your income if you can't work and get your regular paycheck.

You may have Group Short Term Disability insurance or Group Long Term Disability insurance. What's the difference?

Short term disability insurance can help pay the bills if you become disabled and can't work for a short amount of time.

Long term disability insurance can help pay the bills if you become disabled and can't work for a longer amount of time.

Key Features

Replaces a portion of your pay when you miss work because of a covered disability

Partial benefit payments can continue after you return to work

If your disability returns within a period of time, benefits can resume with no waiting period

How Disability Insurance Works

Pregnancy

How STD Insurance Helped Emma

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After giving birth, Emma missed six weeks of work to recover from her pregnancy, which also allowed her to be with her newborn. Fortunately, her Short Term Disability coverage paid a portion of her wages, which made it easier to handle expenses related to a new baby.

Emma's weekly earnings insured before the disability

$950

Benefit percentage

60%

Weekly benefit amount

$570

Benefit waiting period

7 days

Length of time Emma received benefits

5 weeks

Total Benefits Paid

$2,850

Example is for illustrative purposes. Eligibility for benefits and amounts shown in this example may vary from any policy your employer may offer and may vary based upon your individual circumstances, policy definitions, waiting periods, exclusions and limitations.

Car Accident

How LTD Insurance Helped Robert

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A severe car accident left Robert with back injuries that kept him home for several months. His Long Term Disability coverage replaced part of his income, which he put toward his car payment, groceries and birthday presents for his children. LTD insurance also helped Robert return to work sooner than expected. The plan paid his employer to install an adjustable desk and other workplace modifications so Robert could work part-time while recovering and still receive a partial LTD benefit.

Benefits Paid When Robert Could Not Work

Robert monthly earnings insured before the disability

$4,000

Benefit percentage

60%

Monthly benefit amount

$2,400

Benefit waiting period

90 days

Length of time Robert received benefits

4 months

Benefits Paid During Total Disability

$9,600

Benefits Paid While Robert Transitioned Back to Work

Reasonable Accommodation Benefit paid to the employer for adjustable desk

$2,180

Robert's part-time monthly earnings after returning to work

$2,200

Monthly benefit amount

$1,800*

Length of partial disability

3 months

Benefits Paid During Partial Disability

$5,400

Total Benefits Paid: $15,000

Example is for illustrative purposes. Eligibility for benefits and amounts shown in this example may vary from any policy your employer may offer and may vary based upon your individual circumstances, policy definitions, waiting periods, exclusions and limitations.

* Under the Return-to-Work incentive, for a period of time Robert's LTD benefit is not reduced until the amount of his work earnings, when added to his maximum LTD benefit, exceeds 100 percent of his insured predisability earnings. Robert's total income after working and collecting LTD benefits equaled his regular income of $4,000.

DeAndre was already managing a heart condition when his doctor diagnosed him with cancer. He could no longer work at his construction job. Going through chemotherapy drained him physically and financially. DeAndre also faced many unexpected expenses. He needed in-home care, a special diet and alternative medical treatment. He received Social Security disability income. Fortunately, DeAndre's Long Term Disability insurance also replaced some of his income. That meant he didn't have to tap into his hard-earned retirement savings.

DeAndre's monthly earnings insured before the disability

$5,125

Benefit percentage

60%

Monthly benefit amount

$3,075

Less Social Security disability income

$1,450

LTD benefit amount payable

$1,625

Benefit waiting period

90 days

Length of time DeAndre's received benefits

3 years, 2 months

Total Benefits Paid

$61,750

Example is for illustrative purposes. Eligibility for benefits and amounts shown in this example may vary from any policy your employer may offer and may vary based upon your individual circumstances, policy definitions, waiting periods, exclusions and limitations.

What are the chances of becoming disabled?

1 in 4
20-Year-Olds

will become disabled before reaching age 67.

1 in 5 Americans

— 56 million people — live with a disability.

1 in 10 Americans

live with a severe disability.

Source: Basic Facts, U.S. Social Security Administration, June 2016

How Much Disability Insurance Do I Need?

How much income would your family need to replace if you could no longer work because of a disability?

Employee Assistance Program

Many people struggle with problems both inside and outside of work. But the Employee Assistance Program is here to help — whether or not you’ve filed a claim. You can get support for family, work or personal issues. The program also assists with emotional, financial and medical challenges. Check to see if you have disability coverage and EAP.1

How can you prepare for the unexpected?

Ask your HR manager if your employer has a disability plan and how you can enroll.

Confidence and Compassion

A Note from Greg Ness, Chairman, President and CEO

At The Standard, we’ve been helping people achieve financial well-being and peace of mind since 1906. As the global health crisis continues to disrupt lives, communities and the economy, I am confident we’ll continue helping people when they need us the most. Our company has been through hard times and market volatility before and we will navigate through this challenge as well. As our customers face tremendous stress and uncertainty, we will continue providing support and stability to those who rely on our products and services.

This pandemic is tough on everyone. Our communities are hurting, our families and friends are distressed and some of our most vulnerable neighbors are at risk.

The crisis and the way we collectively respond to it will define a generation. We are rising to the challenge. I know every single employee at our company — along with staying focused on keeping our business running and serving our customers — is looking for ways to make a difference for those most affected by this pandemic. That’s proving true in businesses and homes across the community, the country and around the world.

Part of the tragedy of this disease is that even as we come together to help those most in need, the unique nature of COVID-19 is forcing us apart. We all understand the importance of —social distancing— to slow the spread, but we should remember that’s just physical distancing. I encourage you to find ways to safely connect with those in your neighborhood who may require extra help and with groups in your community that are making a difference and support them however you can. And now is the perfect time to reach out to friends and others and just check in.

To our health care providers, first responders and everyone selflessly setting aside their own fears and concerns to help others during this time — thank you hardly seems enough. These people are true heroes. This crisis reinforces how reliant we are on the many essential services we too often take for granted. We are grateful to so many for continuing to show up with focus and commitment.

We will get through this, especially if we are sustained by the examples of those who make us the proudest right now — family, friends, neighbors and colleagues working together — rather than allowing our fears to guide us. No matter how unsettled we may feel, remember we are not alone. There are so many people in this world trying their level best to help others. And I am certain we will get through this — together.

In times of crisis, we are defined by how we react. Let’s continue to be defined by compassion.

And to our customers, thank you for putting your trust in The Standard. What we sell is a promise to be there when you need us, and that promise is unwavering.

How the Family Care Benefit provided the ability to care for a loved one
Jared's daughter was born with a heart defect. They visited multiple specialists to diagnose the condition and determine the appropriate treatment. Then his daughter underwent surgeries, hospital stays and months of follow-up appointments. Benefits from Jared’s Platinum Advantage policy helped make up for the income lost when Jared spent time away from work to attend physician appointments and to be with his daughter in the hospital and throughout her extended recovery — providing peace of mind during a trying time.

Assistance on the road to recovery through a rehabilitation program
Jody's role as an accountant at a small firm requires a lot of computer work. After sustaining a serious back injury from a car accident, Jody was totally disabled under her Platinum Advantage policy. Jody’s doctor recommended she purchase assistive equipment to help her work comfortably at her desk without aggravating her condition. She was able to return to work full time after participating in a rehabilitation program in which expenses for a sitstand desk and other ergonomic accommodations were paid for under her Platinum Advantage policy. These modifications helped ensure she could return to work safely, without hindering her recovery.

Benefits that match career growth through the Benefit Increase Rider
David is completing his dermatology residency and just accepted an offer at a private practice. Before the end of his residency, he purchased a Platinum Advantage policy that included the Benefit Increase Rider, knowing his income will rise significantly after he starts his first post-residency job. The benefit also will allow his policy to grow with him as he progresses in his career and receives additional salary increases. David values the fact that his coverage going forward will match his developing career.

Finding work in a new occupation with the Own Occupation Rider
Jason injured his right hand in an accident and was unable to return to his job as an orthopedic surgeon because he couldn't perform surgery. Due to his medical training, he was able to return to work as a family medicine physician. Jason was considered totally disabled in his regular occupation as an orthopedic surgeon — even though he earns an income from another occupation as a family medicine physician — because of the own occupation definition of total disability included in his Platinum Advantage policy. Because of this, he receives the policy's full basic monthly benefit, in addition to the income he receives in his new position.

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1 Ask your employer if the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is included with your Long Term Disability (LTD) policy. Not available with Short Term Disability (STD) insurance. The EAP service is provided through an arrangement with Morneau Shepell, which is not affiliated with The Standard, to groups of 10 – 2,499 covered employees. This service is only available while insured under The Standard’s LTD policy. The Standard may change providers or terminate service at any time. Morneau Shepell is solely responsible for providing and administering the service.

2 Ask your employer if a Health Advocacy Solution is provided with your disability insurance. Standard Insurance Company offers Health Advocacy Select with STD insurance and makes Health Advocacy Enhanced available as a more robust service employers can add along with STD insurance products. Health Advocacy Enhanced is available with LTD policies offered by Standard Insurance Company and The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York. Health Advocacy Solutions are provided through an arrangement with Health Advocate which is not affiliated with either insurance company. Health Advocate is solely responsible for providing and administering the included services. This service is only available while insured under the applicable insurance policy. The Standard may change providers or terminate service at any time. Health Advocate does not replace health insurance coverage, provide medical care or recommend treatment.

The products and coverages have exclusions, limitations, reductions of benefits and terms under which they may be continued in force or terminated. Please contact your HR representative for additional information, including costs and complete details of coverage.

Group Short Term Disability Insurance underwritten by Standard Insurance Company is provided under policy form numbers: GP190-STD/S399, GP399-STD, GP399-STD/TRUST, GP899-STD/A300, GP399-STD/ASSOC, GP209-STD, GP414-STD, and GP411-STD.

Group Short Term Disability Insurance underwritten by The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York is provided under policy form number: GPNY0500-STD. This policy provides SHORT TERM DISAILITY insurance only. It does NOT provide basic hospital, basic medical or major medical insurance as defined by the New York State Department of Financial Services.

Group Long Term Disability Insurance underwritten by Standard Insurance Company is provided under policy form numbers: GP190-LTD/S399, GP399-LTD/TRUST, GP190-LTD/ASSOC/S399, GP190-LTD/TRUST/S399, GP899-LTD, GP411-LTD, GP209-LTD.

Group Long Term Disability Insurance underwritten by The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York is provided under policy form number: GPNY0500-LTD. This policy provides LONG TERM DISABILITY insurance only. It does NOT provide basic hospital, basic medical or major medical insurance as defined by the New York State Department of Financial Services.

The Standard is a marketing name for Standard Insurance Company (Portland, Oregon), licensed in all states except New York, and The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York (White Plains, New York), licensed only in New York. Products and availability vary by state and are solely the responsibility of the applicable insurance company.